News and Announcements from Blue Water Baltimore

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 News and Announcements

The Healthy Harbor Report Card is Released

Last month, Blue Water Baltimore and Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore released the annual Healthy Harbor Report Card, which examines the Baltimore region’s water quality, and how it impacts ecological and human health parameters. The report card is based on our Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper’s robust monitoring program and the hard work of our staff and volunteers. Learn more about the state of our Harbor and what we are doing to make it cleaner:

 

Photovoice Exhibit Spotlight Mondawmin

Thanks to funding from the Chesapeake Bay Trust, Michel Anderson of Blue Water Baltimore hosted a three-part Photovoice workshop series in Mondawmin this spring. It culminated with a photography exhibit at the Mondawmin Mall last month. Photovoice is an internationally utilized, grassroots research method that enables a community to identify, represent, and enhance their surroundings through an artistic process. It uses the immediacy of photography and storytelling to furnish evidence and promote an effective, participatory means of sharing expertise to influence public policy. Five Mondawmin residents participated in the workshop series. The show will be up until July 20th; be sure to check it out above the large, indoor water fountain. Some of the photographic work can be viewed at the City Paper online.

New Gardens Are Popping Up in Baltimore

Pollinator Garden Workshop at Green Street Academy 

On Saturday, May 20th, Michel Anderson of Blue Water Baltimore led Baltimore City Public School teachers through a Pollinator Garden Workshop at Green Street Academy. The students will design and install gardens on their own school grounds, a project that will continue to involve BWB staff into the next school year. This program was done in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation and Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education.

Extreme Green Makeover

Over the weekend of May 20-21, the Natural History Society of Maryland and Gallery Church Patterson Park finished off their property makeovers by planting several hundred native plants in their new rain gardens, stormwater planters, and pollinator gardens. The plantings were the grand finale of two years of planning, design and construction, all made possible thanks to a grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. With the completion of these projects, both properties will now serve as showcases of environmental restoration and native landscaping in east Baltimore. Our sincere thanks to both of these terrific partners in choosing to be leaders in helping to improve our local environment and communities.

Ribbon Cutting at a New Rain Garden 

On Monday, May 22, Chizuk Amuno Congregation had a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the long awaited completion of their fantastic bioretention system and rain garden. With a large audience gathered around, Rabbi Shulman blessed the new project while Ann Betten, the congregation volunteer who relentlessly kept this project going, had the honor of cutting the ribbon. Chizuk Amuno was one of Blue Water Baltimore’s very first Blue Water Congregations, and we applaud their tenacity in making their vision a reality, leading the way for others.

Upcoming Events

Come Rock the Boat!

The intrepid women of our Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper team have your back. By day they’re on patrol, guarding our waters from pollution. But for one special night the fab four are coming ashore to make sure you get the purest possible pour. From 5 till 9 on June 22nd, they’ll be guest bar tending to your every need at legendary local watering hole, The Ottobar, and have entirely restrained themselves from any sewage-related puns in deciding what to call their spectacular concoctions*.

Come support the Waterkeeper program in style, as well as for the fabulous DJ and delightful drink specials. And come rock the vote on what to call our brand new Waterkeeper patrol boat. The name on the fullest tip jar wins (and all tips go to the Waterkeeper Program). So come vote with your cash – you literally get to buy the election! Join the fun! 

Raise Your Voice for a Cleaner Harbor and Bay

Join Blue Water Baltimore, Healthy Harbor, and other advocates for a land-side rally in support of the Chesapeake Bay Program, which has been proposed to be eliminated in the 2018 federal budget. This is an opportunity for residents to make their voices heard to ensure that everyone does their fair share in cleaning up the Bay. There will be sign making materials at the event so you can share your message for clean water. The rally will take place at the Inner Harbor amphitheater (201 E. Pratt Street), as well as in the water nearby, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 10th. Those wishing to rally by land should RSVP on Facebook. 

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Nursery News

Introducing a New Native to Herring Run Nursery!  

Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia) is a herbaceous perennial with nodding bell-like flowers blooming in spurts from summer to fall. Harebell does well in rocky soils and crevices, in both sun and shade. Some say that its common name stems from folklore of witches suspected of transforming into hares, portending bad luck when crossing one’s path. Harebell may also be referred to as Bluebell Bellflower.

How Well Do You Know Your Native Plants   

Just because a plant is common doesn’t mean it’s native. Many plants are so common throughout the U.S. that you wouldn’t realize that they were actually introduced from Asia, Europe, or Africa. Find out which 5 plants you thought we’re native but aren’t on our blog. 

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